WANA (Jun 12) – The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran has commented on various issues in his weekly press conference. Lately, there has been renewed discussion about the nuclear agreement with the United States. Most of the media speculations revolved around the fact that we will soon hear good news about the outcome of the negotiations.

 

The Iranian side dismissed these claims as a tactic to manipulate the market and disrupt negotiations. Tehran thinks publishing the information regarding the nuclear discussions is intended to rouse anti-JCPOA factions and coerce the US government into opposing it.

 

The reaction of the Iranian market has been positive even to this unofficial news about the resumption of nuclear negotiations. Foreign exchange rates have fallen recently, and the Iranian rial gained more value. Of course, the announcement of the release of part of Iraq’s debts to Iran has impacted the price of foreign currencies.

 

 

Iran still believes that the American side needs to be more serious about conducting a fruitful negotiation with a win-win result. On the other hand, Washington claims that Tehran does not want to interact with the United States regarding the JCPOA. “Iran has never stopped diplomatic processes to lift the oppressive sanctions and continues negotiations.” Kanaani, the FM spokesman, said. 

 

Currently, efforts are underway to negotiate with the assistance of Oman. The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran said it never left the negotiation table and always showed its serious readiness to conduct deep and meaningful negotiations to conclude the talks.

Mohammad Marandi, Political Analyst and The media advisor of Iran’s nuclear negotiating team- Social media / WANA News Agency

 

The new round of Iran-U.S talks is not secret and Iranian diplomats exchange messages with the Americans through intermediaries. In response to the secrecy of the negotiations, Mohammad Marandi, the adviser of Iran’s negotiating team, said, “The claims about direct and secret negotiations between Iran and the United States in Washington are not true… The negotiations between the two sides occurred indirectly through a third party, such as Oman or the United Nations.”

 

Since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, Tehran has decided not to have any direct negotiations with American diplomats and officials to punish the US. 

 

Humiliating the Americans in this way angers the White House officials, but they seem to have no choice but to interact with Tehran.

 

“The exchange of diplomatic messages and consultations with the opposing parties at different levels through intermediary parties and friendly countries with close relations with our opposing parties has continued,” Kanaani said.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Naser Kanaani speaks in his weekly press conference in Tehran, Iran, March 13, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Naser Kanaani speaks in his weekly press conference in Tehran, Iran, March 13, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

 

Kanaani emphasized again in this conference that the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran never left the negotiation table and always showed its serious readiness to conduct deep and meaningful negotiations to conclude the talks.

 

The news has reported that both parties plan to enter a temporary agreement with special conditions. However, Tehran has explicitly rejected this proposal.

 

“We do not endorse an interim agreement or new measures that replace the JCPOA agreement.” the spokesperson told reporters.

 

Tehran has often needed better outcomes when relying on promises made by the West during negotiations on various issues. The Western side has repeatedly failed to meet its obligations and often makes excuses for not doing so. This time, the Iranian authorities want to refrain from giving weight to the outcome of the negotiations and don’t condition the situations of society and the market.

 

“JCPOA is not all issue of our foreign policy, but it is only one of the cases related to foreign policy.” The spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

 

In the past few days, the issue related to the exchange of prisoners between Iran and the United States has also been discussed in addition to the nuclear issue. Tehran confirmed that it is negotiating in this regard, and if the other side is severe, we can hope for the future.

 

“If the other side (America) shows the same seriousness as the Islamic Republic, this event (i.e., the release of prisoners in both countries) can happen shortly. Therefore, we are waiting for the results of diplomatic talks and negotiations through mediators in this field.” Kanaani said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian meets with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed in Cape Town, South Africa, June 2, 2023. Iran's Foreign Ministry/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian meets with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed in Cape Town, South Africa, June 2, 2023. Iran’s Foreign Ministry/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

With the efforts of Dr Raisi’s government, The reopening of the Iranian embassy in Saudi Arabia has been accomplished, and Saudi Foreign Minister is going to visit Iran in the future.

 

Based on the preliminary steps taken by the Saudi delegation in Iran, we will likely see the reopening of the Saudi embassy in Tehran soon.

R.Ganji, Political Analyst